Ontario First Nations demand public inquiry into 2024 wildfire response

First Nations leaders in northern Ontario condemned Premier Doug Ford’s government for not committing to a public inquiry or releasing a debrief on the severe 2024 wildfire season that destroyed two communities and left 159 fires burning. They said the province failed to warn them in advance and communication with Indigenous affairs officials was poor. Ministers Natural Resources Mike Harris, Emergency Preparedness Jill Dunlop and Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford gave a briefing, with Harris noting the province would conduct an internal review that might not be made public. Fourteen First Nations communities were forced to evacuate and arrange their own transport and shelter.

Leaders called the response “too late, too little, too late,” urging a full inquiry to examine systemic issues such as policy cuts, inadequate forestry management and lack of early‑warning systems. They proposed establishing a First Nations wildfire authority, permanent preparedness funding, a climate‑adaptation strategy and better early‑warning mechanisms. Chiefs Merle Loon, Russell Wesley and Pauline Drake voiced the need for answers and accountability, noting they have yet to hear directly from the Premier or cabinet members since the evacuations.